Britain's 20 smallest cities have been ranked from best to worst, with a destination in Wiltshire featuring on the list.
The list comes from Destination Expert at The Telegraph, Chris Moss, and features the likes of St Davids, Bath, and Carlisle.
Introducing the rankings, Mr Moss said: "Small is proverbially beautiful – and when it comes to cities, this maxim can really strike home.
"A compact urban centre is walkable and has less traffic (and hopefully fewer jams), but when it’s well-used by locals it should have most of the attributes of a large metropolis: good gastronomy, characterful pubs, independent retail, cultural assets.
"As the list below demonstrates, chances are there’ll also be memorable architecture, often a cathedral."
Britain’s 20 smallest cities ranked - best to worst
Britain’s 20 smallest cities ranked best to worst, according to The Telegraph, are:
- Canterbury (9.5)
- Bath (9)
- Wells (8.5)
- Lincoln (8.5)
- Carlisle (8)
- Salisbury (8)
- Ely (7.5)
- Chichester (7.5)
- Stirling (7)
- Lichfield (7)
- St Davids (7)
- Hereford (6.5)
- Worcester (6.5)
- Inverness (6)
- Perth (5.5)
- Ripon (5)
- Bangor (5)
- Dunfermline (4.5)
- St Asaph (4.5)
- Truro (4)
Why Salisbury is among the UK's best small cities
Salisbury dates back to 1227 and is described as "traditionally English with an independent spirit" by Visit Wiltshire.
It explains: "A Cathedral city of ageless beauty and captivating history, Salisbury has been welcoming travellers since 1227.
"At the city’s heart is Salisbury Cathedral, a beacon that has attracted visitors for centuries.
"Gathered around the Cathedral is a modern medieval city, full of buildings crafted with the care of another age.
"Here history is brought to life by modern and original events, culture and activities.
"Traditionally English with an independent spirit, the city’s living heritage and lively culture rewards repeated visits.
"It is a creative and independent hub which has captivated visitors and inspired innovation for hundreds of years."
Salisbury was ranked the sixth-best small city in the UK, with a rating of 8, just behind the likes of Canterbury (9.5), which topped the list, and nearby Bath (9), which was second.
What to do in Salisbury
There is plenty to see and do in Salisbury, according to The Telegraph.
Mr Moss said: "You could do worse than start a visit to this town at Old Sarum, a Roman settlement where you can see the foundations of Salisbury’s original, Norman cathedral – and get a first view of the UK’s tallest spire.
"Close up, the 13th-century building is a superb example of English Gothic architecture.
"It’s worth doing a proper tour to learn about the 37-year restoration that only concluded in 2023.
"Victorian graffiti and Spitfire carvings tell Salisbury’s wider story."
The Cathedral is another must-visit destination in Salisbury, home to the best preserved of only four surviving Magna Carta documents.
The city is also a "treat to walk around", according to Mr Moss, with "lovely" public spaces and streets lined with stone buildings.
He continued: "Overlooking Chorister’s Green, Mompesson House is an 18th-century townhouse with period furniture and a walled garden.
"The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum (due to reopen soon following a refurb) is located in the former bishop’s store.
"Arundells, once the home of Sir Edward Heath, contains paintings by Churchill, LS Lowry, Nash, Piper and others."
For those who like a bit of retail therapy, there is a good mix of "quirky, independent" shops, offering products designed and crafted locally, and high street favourites.
Visit Wiltshire added: "On Tuesdays and Saturdays (except the third Tuesday in October) the hustle and bustle of the historic Charter Market fills the Market Place and a whole array of other interesting markets take place throughout the year."
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There is also an "enticing" range of tea and coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, and clubs and bars in Salisbury.
The Wiltshire city also offers a great base for those looking to explore the surrounding countryside with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and World Heritage Sites nearby.
Do you agree that Salisbury is among the best small cities in Britain? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
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